Lake Como to St. Moritz: How to Travel Best

Dreaming of a journey that blends Italy’s most romantic lake with the pristine glamour of the Swiss Alps? Travelling from Lake Como to St. Moritz offers a rare chance to experience two iconic destinations in one unforgettable trip. This route combines serene lakeside living with high-altitude elegance, Michelin-starred dining, and world-class outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re planning a leisurely Lake Como and St. Moritz itinerary, searching for the best way to travel from Lake Como to St. Moritz, or curious about the Bernina Express scenic train, this guide is packed with local insight and practical travel tips. Discover how to get there, what to do in both summer and winter, and why these destinations make the perfect pairing for your next luxury holiday.

How to Get from Lake Como to St. Moritz

The journey from Lake Como to St. Moritz is not just a transfer—it’s a travel experience in itself. The most scenic and popular route is by train, starting from the town of Tirano (reachable by car or train from Lake Como), where you can board the iconic Bernina Express. This panoramic train winds through the Swiss Alps, crossing viaducts, glaciers, and mountain villages on its way to St. Moritz.

Alternatively, driving from Lake Como to St. Moritz takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and offers a different kind of beauty, with mountain passes and picturesque stops along the way. If you prefer ease and comfort, Milan Malpensa transfers to St. Moritz are also widely available and ideal for small groups or families.

Bernina Express from Lake Como: The Scenic Train Ride

The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train routes in the world, and a top choice for those travelling from Lake Como to St. Moritz. Starting in Tirano, just 90 minutes from Como by road or rail, the train climbs high into the Alps, offering sweeping views of glaciers, valleys, and pristine alpine lakes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage route and an unforgettable way to experience the journey.

For a full-day adventure, many travellers book a round-trip from Lake Como with time to explore St. Moritz before returning the same day.

Day Trip to St. Moritz from Lake Como

Yes, a day trip to St. Moritz from Lake Como is very doable, especially with the Bernina Express. Depart early in the morning, spend the afternoon exploring the resort town, and return by evening. While it’s a packed day, it offers a unique glimpse into the high-altitude glamour of the Swiss Alps, with enough time to enjoy lakeside walks, boutique shopping, or lunch overlooking the Engadin Valley.

St. Moritz and Lake Como Itinerary

Planning a dual-destination trip? Here’s a sample St. Moritz and Lake Como itinerary:

Day 1–3: Explore Lake Como (stay in Bellagio or Varenna), enjoy ferry rides, visit villas, dine lakeside.

Day 4: Travel to Tirano and take the Bernina Express to St. Moritz.

Day 5–6: Enjoy summer hikes or winter skiing in St. Moritz, shop, and dine in alpine luxury.

Day 7: Return to Milan or extend your trip to explore other parts of Switzerland.

This itinerary perfectly balances relaxation with adventure and is ideal for couples, families, or solo travellers.

Best Way to Travel from Lake Como to St. Moritz

The best way to travel from Lake Como to St. Moritz depends on your priorities:

• For scenic beauty: take the Bernina Express.
• For speed and flexibility: self-drive or book a private transfer.
• For comfort and ease: guided tours with round-trip transport.

Whichever route you choose, the journey is part of the experience.

Milan Malpensa Transfers to St. Moritz

Travelling from Milan Malpensa Airport to St. Moritz? The most comfortable option is a private transfer, which takes about 3.5 hours and provides door-to-door service. It’s perfect after a long flight, especially during the winter ski season or summer holidays. Alternatively, you can take a train to Tirano and continue on the Bernina Express for a scenic arrival.

Things to Do in St. Moritz: Summer & Winter

In Summer:

• Hike scenic alpine trails like Muottas Muragl
• Try windsurfing or paddleboarding on Lake St. Moritz
• Attend classical music festivals or art exhibitions
• Enjoy mountain biking and scenic cable car rides

In Winter:

• Ski the legendary slopes of Corviglia and Corvatsch
• Go ice skating, curling, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride
• Relax in luxury alpine spas
• Dine at Michelin-starred mountain restaurants
• Don’t Miss: THE ICE St. Moritz

If you’re visiting in winter, THE ICE is a must-see event in St. Moritz. Held on the frozen lake, this spectacular classic car concours brings together vintage automobiles, motorsport legends, and collectors from around the world. The cars race and parade on ice, surrounded by snowy mountains and alpine glamour. It’s one of St. Moritz’s most iconic annual events and a celebration of both engineering and elegance.

Lake Como vs St. Moritz

Lake Como and St. Moritz offer very different—yet complementary—experiences. Lake Como is romantic, laid-back, and perfect for boat rides, fine dining, and villa-hopping. St. Moritz, on the other hand, is stylish, adventurous, and best known for winter sports and luxury shopping.

Choosing between them depends on the season and your travel style. But why not enjoy both? With easy transfers and unforgettable scenery in between, visiting Lake Como and St. Moritz in one trip makes for the perfect Alpine-Lake Italian-Swiss getaway.

Related articles:

5 Reasons to Visit Lake Como in Winter

Seven Interesting and Quirky Facts About Lake Como

How to Plan a Trip to Lake Como: Tips and Tricks

Lake Como Weather: When to Take A Journey

Love at first sight: 10 Best Photos from Lake Como